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Cesc Fabregas was full of praise for his Como players, describing them as the best group he has ever managed, after the club secured a historic Champions League qualification.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder led the team to a top-four finish in Serie A, completing a remarkable rise from the second tier to Europe’s elite competition in just two years.
A historic evening in Serie A
The lakeside club achieved the unthinkable on the final day of the Serie A season, leapfrogging AC Milan into fourth place to secure their Champions League debut.
A resounding 4-1 win at Cremonese, combined with the Rossoneri’s home defeat to Cagliari, sparked wild celebrations among fans and traveling staff.
In a season where they also reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, Fabregas transformed the club’s identity.
Taking full advantage of the final day’s spectacular results, Como secured the fourth and final Champions League spot, marking only the second time in their history that they have qualified for a European tournament.
Fabregas pays tribute to his team
True to his tradition of post-match meetings, the Spanish coach gathered his players on the pitch at the Stadio Giovanni Zini to bid an emotional farewell to the campaign.
Fabregas was visibly emotional as he addressed the team which has defied expectations throughout the season to rival Italy’s traditional powerhouses.
“The last round of the season,” Fabregas told his team. “I told you the day before Parma, we win both games, we are in the Champions League. I don’t know why I told you, I had a feeling, I always get my answers by feeling.”
“But guys, it’s all up to you. It’s because of each and every one of you. We’re trying to help you, we’re trying to give you some solutions, but you’re the reason why it’s so beautiful. I thank you for my whole life. My whole life, because this would probably be the best group I’ll ever coach in my future.”
Unforgettable memories for newcomers
It wasn’t long ago that Como were competing in Serie B, but a relentless attacking philosophy under Fabregas saw them finish the campaign as the league’s second highest scorers, behind champions Inter.
Their final tally of 20 wins and 65 goals underlined their status as a true force in Italian football.
Fabregas highlighted the lasting legacy his players have created with their achievements this season.
He continued: “I have no doubt that you will be remembered forever. Now we can say that and much more. And I will see you guys again, enjoy a great vacation, enjoy a great party, you deserve everything, whoever goes to the World Cup, good luck. What do we do next year? Champions League!.”
Champions League football beckons
For Como, the focus now turns to a summer of preparation ahead of their first ever European adventure.
Having finished ahead of giants like Juventus and Milan, the lakeside minnows proved they belong at the top, with Fabregas at the helm to guide them into the next chapter of their remarkable story.
FIFA World Cup 2026: how to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34), with each game streamed live and on-demand in the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, along with the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
